Educational test device



July 28, 1936.

J. E. SVEDA ET AL.y

EDUCATIONAL TEST DEVICE Filed April l, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet l July 28, 1936. J, E SVEDA ET AL 2,048,976

EDUCAT IONAL TEST DEVICE Filed April l, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 My. 5 Hg. 6 J6 O/EOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO'OOO .unsre/m o mw o I VENTOR 6 7 9 t o, qw R YW e H m N .0 s N O I. E E E LC Aww Tmm ET; Y Aml B DTl ELN WMM .md aum wm E `Iuly 28, 1936.

Patented July 28, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE EDUCATIONAL TE ST DEVICE Application April 1, 1935, Serial No. 14,070

28 Claims.

This invention relates to means for making and tallying quizzes, tests, examinations, and the like. An object of this invention is to provide means whereby sheets, on which students and others may indicate answers to questions propounded, are scanned or checked one after another and the number of correct and incorrect answers indicated on the examination sheet added and imprinted on said sheet, so that the examiner, as well as the student, may know the rating of the latter.

Heretofore it has been proposed many times to provide an examination sheet with designated places to be punched through by the student to indicate, for instance, his choice of alternative suggested answers or true or false answers, but in the use of these the punched holes were visually checked and mentally added by the teacher, and this required a great deal of time on the part of the teacher or his assistant.

According to this invention, it is merely necessary tor the teacher to collect the test papers punched through by the student and pass them one at a time through a machine in which the test sheet is automatically scanned and the results of the scanning imprinted on the test sheet itself.

In the form of the invention herein disclosed, both the correct and incorrect answers are to- 30 talized, except when two answers to a single question are indicated, in which case if one be correct and the other incorrect, only the incorrect answer will be added to the incorrect totalizer. This is an extremely important feature of this invention for obvious reasons.

In its broader aspects, the machine of this invention may be definitely and xedly arranged so that the correct answers will always be in the same place on the students examination sheet, 40 but the students would ultimately discover this sameness in the positions of the correct answer punch holes with the result that examination sheets would not indicate whether or not the students knew the correct answers to the questions propounded.

To avoid this, the present invention provides removable and replaceable key sheets for the machine with which an innite variety of correct answer patterns may be had, thereby making it impossible for the student to know the pattern made by the correct answer punch holes. In fact, according to this invention, a key sheet may be prepared for each examination, if desired.

The machine oi' this invention includes means for feeding a key sheet and an examination REISSUED` (c1. 35--48l AUG 3 1957 sheet past a scanning point at which there is located a plurality of feelers, one for each prepared answer to a question.

In the form of the invention shown, these feelers are electric contacts, and the examination sheet forms an insulator between the contact iingers and a contact surface on the feeding means and a metallic key sheet carried thereby.

The metallic key sheet has apertures which align with correct answer punch-holes in the students sheet, and when the latter is correctly punched the contact finger electrically engages the drum and closes a circuit through a solenoid actuating a correct answer counter. If a punched hole in the examination sheet does not align with a correct answer aperture in the key sheet, the contact finger engages the key sheet and closes a circuit through a solenoid which actuates an incorrect answer counter. there be two punch holes in a single line, one correct and one incorrect, through a relay and a slower acting solenoid for the correct answer counter, only the solenoid for the incorrect answer counter will operate.

After the examination sheet has been scanned, the totalizers which preferably have printing wheels are brought into engagement with the examination sheet to print the number of correct and incorrect answers.

The continued operation of the machine returns the totalizers to zero and then picks up and advances the next students sheet.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings* Figure l is an end view of the device of. the present invention with part of the table shown in section to more clearly illustrate some of the parts.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the feeding drum showing part of the table in sectiony the parts being shown in the positions they assume during the scanning of the students test sheet.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but shows the parts in the positions they assume just before the test sheet begins to feed.

Fig. 4 is a similar view, showing the parts in the positions they assume during the printing of the totals on the test sheet.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section through the feeding drum and table, showing the contacts for operating the counting mechanism on line 5-5 of Figs. 6 and 9.

Fig. 6 is atop plan view oi part of the drum and Should,

part of the frame, and showing the registering mechanism.

Fig. l is a plan view of the student's sheet.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the key sheet.

Fig. 9 is a top view partly broken away of one end of the drum, on an enlarged scale, showing the counting and registering device.

Fig. l0 is a vertical section on line Ill-l0, of Fig. 9.

Fig. l1 is a diagram showing the electrical connections between the various parts.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, the device of the present invention comprises a table I0 mounted on legs II and having brackets I2 on which there is rotatably mounted a shaft I3 carrying a drum I4 which is insulated from the shaft by insulating bushings I5. The drum is so located that the table l0 is substantially tangential to the surface of the drum I0.

Around the periphery of the drum there are provided feeding pins I8 adapted to extend through slots I! in the table, and these pins engage feeding apertures I8 in a students sheet I9, so that when the students sheet is inserted between the drum and the table and the drum is rotated, the pins i6 will engage the apertures I8 and advance the students sheet I9 horizontally along the table. For the purpose of facilitating the introduction and guiding of the students sheet, the table at the intake or receiving side is provided with lateral guides 2D having overhanging flanges 2I to engage over the lateral edges 22 of the student's sheet and hold the sheet down on the table I 0. The receiving ends of the overhanging flanges 2l are bent up to provide a chute 23 to facilitate the introduction of the leading edge of the students sheet under the anges.

To prevent a student's sheet I9 from being engaged and advanced by the pins I6, except when a predetermined portion of the drum approaches the plane of the table, for reasons hereinafter pointed out, the table is provided with an end gage 24 normally in the path of the students sheet and adapted to engage the leading edge 25 thereof when slid on the table toward the drum. When in this position, the pins I8 do not engage the students sheet I9 because the lateral margins of the students sheet in which the apertures I8 are located are cut out at the leading end of the sheet I9 as indicated at 26. tVhen the students sheet is against the end gage 24, a pair of auxiliary apertures 21 adjacent the leading margin of the students sheet are located in position to be engaged by long pins 28 located on the drum in alignment with the apertures. When the drum is revolved to what may be termed starting position, the pins 28 enter the apertures 2'I and, engaging the leading edges thereof, advance the student's sheet I9 so that pins I6 at each side of the drum may engage the rst apertures I8 on the students sheet. To permit advancement of the students sheet at this time, the end gage 24 is depressed and rendered inoperative by a cam 29 (see Fig. 5) carried by the drum. The cam is elongated so as to hold the end gage 26 down long enough to permit the leading edge 25 of the students sheet to be advanced beyond it so that when it is again permitted to rise it will press against the underside of the student's sheet and tend to hold it against the drum, the end stop 24 being in the form of a leaf spring as shown in the accompanying drawings.

The continued rotation of the drum Il causes the students sheet I9 to be advanced over the table in exact coordination with the movement of the drum so that successive portions of the students sheet are brought into contact with the drum. 5

The drum may be rotated by hand by means of a handle (not shown), or by means of a motor II secured to the underside of the table I0 and having a belt 32 connecting the pulley on the motor with a pulley 33 on the shaft I3 of the drum.

As above stated, the device of the present invention is intended to register and record the number of correct and incorrect answers indicated on a students sheet, such as the sheet I 8, in response to true and false answer questions, or l5 questions of the kind in which the correct one of several statements made is to be indicated.

The following is an example of these two kinds of test questions:

Q1. True or false--Trenton is the capital of 20 New York.

Q2. A man is able to swim more easily in sea water than in fresh water, because (A) sea water is more invigorating, (B) the color of sea water is green, (C) sea water is denser, (D) sea water is colder.

In order that answers to these questions may be indicated by the student; to be registered and recorded by the machine of the present invention, the present invention provides the students sheet I9 shown in Fig. 7. This students sheet is provided with a heading 34 having designated spaces to receive the date, the students name, the subject, and other data desired.

Between the apertured feeding margins 22, the students sheet has, at longitudinally spaced points, rows of circles 35 formed by indentations or perforations so that when a pointed instrument is applied to a circle, the disk defined by the circle may be pushed through, leaving a hole or aperture. The rows of weakening circles or punch holes are provided with numeral designations 36 corresponding to the number of the question propounded, there being 10 questions on the students sheet illustrated in Fig. 7. Transversely of the students sheet, the rows of weakening circles have suitable headings. For instance, the first row is provided with a designation T and indicates that if the answer to the first question for instance is true, the disk designated I-T" will be punched through by the student. The second transverse row is provided with the designation F, which indicates that the disks in this row are to be punched through if the student decides that the answer to a question, such as the 5 Question 1 above given, is false. The other rows are marked A, B, C and D, and are employed when the question is of the type of Question 2 above given, where the student must select the proper conclusion to the statement.

In connection with the above example, the student, correctly answering the questions, would punch through the disk under the column F" in Question 1, and under the column C" in Question 2.

In Fig. '7, to avoid confusion, the holes I5 punched through are shown as black disks, and if the sheet I9 were punched through in answer to Questions l and 2 above given, it will be seen that Question 1 has been answered incorrectly 70 while Question 2 has been answered correctly.

After the test, the students sheets I9 are collected and run through the scanning and recording machine of the present invention which will register the number of correct answers and the 75 number of incorrect answers, and will print or impress upon each students sheet the numbers of correct and incorrect answers indicated thereon.

According to the present invention, the students sheet I9 is scanned electrically. For this purpose, there is provided on the underside of the table l0, in the form oi the invention shown herein, a plurality of spring contact fingers 31, the ends of which are located approximately at the point of tangency of the table to the drum. There is one contact 31 for each longitudinal row of punch holes 35, and the ends of the contacts 31 are made small enough to pass through the punched-out holes 35 and engage something above the surface of the students sheet to close the electrical circuits in a manner hereinafter pointed out. All the contact fingers 31 are mounted on a rocker 38 mounted on a shalt 39 and having an arm 48 pressed downwardly by a spring 4I so as to normally urge the contact fingers upwardly toward the drum.

Since it is only necessary to have the contact fingers urged upwardly during the time that the portion of the students sheet from line I to line I8, both inclusive, passes the point of tangency of the drum with the table, and since to have them urged upwardly at any other time would cause mechanical and electrical difiiculties, the shaft 38 on which the rocker 38 is secured is provided with an arm 42 having a roller 43 in position to be engaged by a cam 44 on one side of the drum so as to swing the contact fingers 31 downwardly to the position shown in Fig. 3 from that shown in Fig. 2 after the terminal lines of punch holes on the students sheet have passed beyond the range of the contact fingers.

In the form of the invention herein disclosed. the contact ngers 31 may, when the correct hole 35 is punched through, extend upwardly through the punched hole in the students sheet and electrically engage the feeding drum which, for this purpose, is preferably made of metal and close a circuit through a solenoid 45 mounted within the drum on a cross bar 48 secured to the sides oi the drum by brackets 41. This solenoid 45 operates a counter or registering mechanism 45a each time it is energized.

To prevent a contact 31 from engaging the drum when the wrong hole is punched in the students sheet, there is provided on the drum an insulating sheet 48 shown in Fig. 8. This insulating sheet has its lateral margins 48 provided with pin-engaging apertures 50 to t over the pins I6 on the drum, and is thus held on the drum against movement relative thereto. The ends of the insulating sheet 48 have tabs 5I provided with holes to receive screws 52 carried by inwardly extending cheeks 53 on the drum which, as will be seen from Figs. 5 and 10, is open for about a quarter of its circumference. To place the insulating sheet 48 on the drum, the screws 52 with the clamping bars 54 are removed, the sheet 48 is placed around the drum on the pins I8 with apertures 55 in the tabs 5I aligning with apertures in the cheeks 53. Then the clamping bars 54 are replaced and the screws 52 adjusted to hold the clamping bar firmly against the tabs 5I.

In order that the contacts 31 entering punched out holes 35 for correct answers may reach the drum, the insulating sheet 48 is provided with apertures 56. These apertures are placed in the insulating sheet by the instructor according to a predetermined plan depending upon the correct answers to the questions. and the instructor may prepare the key sheet 48 in advance and then arrange the questions accordingly, or the questions may be arranged and then the key sheet punched out, or apertured, according to which answers to the respective questions are the correct ones.

To facilitate this, the key sheet is ruled oi! to provide longitudinal and transverse lines, the transverse lines being provided with numerals corresponding with the number of questions and the horizontal lines being designated like the rows of weakened circles 35 in the students sheet I8. Thus, considering the two questions above given. in preparing the key sheet the instructor punches out the aperture 56 on line I under the heading F", for the statement in the iirst question is false. On the second line, the instructor punches out the aperture 55 under the heading C, for the part C of the statement of the test is correct.

It will be noted that the designations T, F, A, B", C, and D are in inverted order laterally of the sheet 48, and this is because the sheet 48 is wrapped around the drum and comes face to face with the students sheet I9 when the drum is rotated, and it should also be noted that the students sheet I9 approaches the drum foot rst, and that the lines are scanned in inverse order. This is done so that the totals may be printed at the heading of the students sheet.

If the key sheet 48 merely permitted the contacts 31 to extend through the holes for the correct answers, only the number of correct answers could be registered, and hence, if the student punched through all of the holes 35 in the students sheet, the machine would register and record ten correct answers, in spite of the fact that each of the answers would be wrong because more than one answer was given to each question.

To avoid this, the present invention not only registers and records the correct answers, but also does so with respect to the incorrect answers.

For this purpose, the key sheet 48 is provided with a thin metal strip 51 secured to it in any suitable manner as by pasting or cementing the metal sheet 51 to the key sheet 48. The metal or conducting portion 51 of the key sheet is connected through the clamping bar to a solenoid 58 carried within the drum on the cross bar 48 and operating they registering and recording mechanism 58a for counting the incorrect answers. Hence, when a contact 31 enters a punched hole 35 in the students sheet which designates an incorrect answer, it does not reach the drum but is intercepted by the key sheet 48 and makes electrical contact with the metal portion 51 thereof to close the circuit through the solenoid 58 for the incorrect answer register 58a.

However, when the contact extends through a correct" punched hole 35 in the students sheet. it passes thru the hole 58 in the insulating and conducting portions of the key sheet 48, engages the drum I4, and closes the circuit leading to the solenoid 45 for the correct answer register 45a, the holes 58 being, as shown, punched through the insulating as well as the conducting portions of the key sheet, and the hole 58, being substantially larger than the punched hole 85, the contact 31 passing through the hole 35 does not engage the margin of the hole 56.

While the correct answer pattern of the key answer punched holes and thus defeat the p' pose of the examination.

Accordingly, the key sheet 48 is removably supported on the drum so that it may be changed from time to time and different patterns of correct answers be employed.

The registering and recording mechanisms 45a and 58a for the correct and incorrect answers are the same, and, therefore, the description as to one of them will suiiice for the other.

The armature 59 for each solenoid is connected by a link 60 to a ratchet arm 6I pivotally mounted on a shaft 62 so that when the ratchet arm is vibrated a paw] 63 carried thereby will engage a ratchet 64 connected to the units wheel 55 of the register, (see Figs. 9 and l0) When the units wheel 65 completes one revolution, through a carry-over mechanism dagrammaticaliy illustrated at 66, the tens wheel 61 is operated one step, the wheels being held in adjusted position by detents 68. On the surface of the wheels 55 and 61 there are provided raised numerals 68 constituting types and rolling in contact with these numerals is an inking roller 1U supplying ink to the raised numerals 69.

The numeral wheels S5 and 61 are so mounted within the outlines of the drum that at the end of the scanning operation during which the reg ister is operated, the raised numerals 69 will be brought into contact with the students sheet so as to print the number recorded on the registers. As shown in Fig. '1, the numeral 6 has been printed after the word right, and the numeral 4 has been printed after the word wrong". It will be noted that the printing wheels are so disposed on the drum laterally thereof that the printing takes place between the rows of apertures, the students sheet being supported by the portions of the table between the slots through which the contact ngers 31 extend.

After printing the results of the counting on the students sheet, the registers are returned to zero preparatory to the scanning of the next students sheet. This is done by suitable zerosetting mechanism including notches provided in the shaft 62 and pawls carried by the register wheels 65 and 61, so that when the shaft is rotated in clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 10, all of the counter wheels will be picked up and brought to a definite predetermined position, i. e., zero position. Any suitable zero-setting mechanisrn may be employed.

For doing this automatically, the shaft $2 is extended through the casing at one side where it is provided with a gear 1I in position to engage a rack 12 carried by the adjacent support I2. In Fig. 4, the dial wheels or counters 65 and 51 are in position to print the totals on the students sheet. Upon further movement of the drum, the dials are carried out of contact with the students sheet and the zero-setting gear 1I engages the rack 12 and this continues until the shaft has been given the necessary amount of rotation to bring all of the counters to zero position. During the time that the portion of the drum containing the register mechanism is adjacent the table, the contact fingers 31 are held depressed as shown in Fig. 4, and they remain depressed until the students sheet is picked up and advanced. In returning the counters to zero, both the units and the tens wheel is rotated, and thus it is assured that all of the printing surfaces, that is to say, all of the numerals on the counters, will be coated with ink and ready to print.

The zero-setting mechanism is provided with a ratchet 'Il and a back check pawl 'I4 to prevent it from rotating in reverse direction, and, likewise, the shaft I3 is provided with a ratchet wheel 1l engaged by.a back-check pawl 15a.

If a student Punches through more than one punch hole I5 at one line, as shown on line 6 in Fig. '1, and one of them is the correct one, the answer would not be entitled to be marked correct", because the questions are so arranged that there can be only one right answer. Unless means are provided to prevent it, the machine would register under such conditions one right and one wrong answer, and if each question were answered, the total shown on the dials 65 and 51 would be greater than the number of questions asked, and the true rating of the students sheet would be impossible.

To avoid this simultaneous operation of the correct and incorrect counters, the present inven tion provides means under the control of the circuits energized by a contact 31 extending through an incorrect punched hole 55 for rendering the solenoid 45 for the correct answer counter inoperative. I'his is done in the embodi ment of this invention illustrated herein by pro viding a contacter or cut-out 16 in series with the wrong" counter solenoid 58 and making the solenoid 45 for the right" counter slow-acting, With this provision, if the circuits for the right" and "wrong solencids are energized together, before the right" solenoid 45 begins to act the cut-out 16 will operate to open the circuit to the solenoid 45 and the latter will not operate.

Of course, any suitable electrical connections may be made between the various parts of the device. However, the arrangement at present preferred is diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 11. As shown, the contact fingers Il are connected by a wire 11 to a source of current 18. and this is connected by a wire 1! so that current ows to the shaft I3 from which the drum I4 is insulated. The wrong solenoid 58 has one side connected by a wire 80 to the metal portion 51 of the key sheet 48, while its other side is connected by a wire 8l to the winding 82 of the cutout or contactor 15. The other side of the latter is connected by a wire Il to the shaft I3.

The right solenoid 45 is connected at one side by a wire 54 to the drum I4, while at the other side it has a wire 55 leading to a contact point 55 normally engaged by a circuit closer 8l which also engages a contact point 8B connected to the wire Il which leads to the drum shaft Il.

The circuit closer has an armature I! which. when the electromagnet 15 is energized, opens the circuit leading to the right" solenoid.

Thus, when a contact finger 31 engages through a punch hole 35 aligned with an aperture 55 in the key sheet 4I, current will flow from the drum through the wire 54. solenoid 45, contact 85, circuit closer 81, contact 88, wire 53, shaft I3, wire 15, back to the battery ll, provided no other contact finger at the same time engages the' metal portion 51 of the key sheet. If this latter should occur, however, current will ow as above stated through the right solenoid but will also flow from the metal portion 51 of the key sheet, wire l0, "wrong solenoid 5l, contactor 15, wire 83, to the shaft Il and back to the battery. The right" solenoid 45 is slower acting than the wrong solenoid 5l. and. accordingly, when the electromagnet I5 is energized, the circuit including the contacts Il and Il and the "right solenoid 45 is opened. and only the wrong solenoid il acts to advance its associated counting dials one step.

It should be understood, of course, that the solenoid 45, even though slow-acting, is for all practical purposes instantaneous in its operation, and that both solenoids are designed to operate during the closing of the circuits leading to them, respectively, regardless oi ordinary variations in the speed at which the drum is rotated.

As shown in Figs. 10 and l1, the cutout 'i8 is mounted within the drum i4. Since the counters are also mounted in the drum, only a single electrical connection between the drum and the table (and that through the shaft) is needed in addition to the contacts 31 to operate the electromagnets and cut-out.

As will be observed from Fig. 7, the counters are arranged to print between the longitudinal rows of punch holes 35, and thus. in the printing operation, the students sheet is supported directly under the printing wheels by the portion of the table remaining between the slots through which the contacts 31 extend.

The end stop 24 is also located between the longitudinal rows of holes 35 so as not to inter- 1ere with the advancement of the students sheet.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims.

We claim:-

1. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a row ot feelers; feeding means for causing said row of feelers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; a. correct answer counter; and means actuated by ieelers when the latter enter correct answer punch-holes for operating said correct answer counter.

2. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicat ing a students choice of answers, comprising; a row of feelers; feeding means for causing said row of feelers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; an incorrect answer counter; and means actuated by feelers when the latter enter incorrect answer punch-holes for operating said incorrect answer counter.

3. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a row of feelers; feeding means for causing said row of feelers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; a correct answer counter; means actuated by feelers when the latter enter correct answer punch-holes for operating said correct answer counter; an incorrect answer counter; and means actuated by feelers when the latter enter incorrect answer punch-holes for operating the incorrect answer counter.

4. A machine for scanning and totaiizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a row of feelers; feeding means for causing said row of teelers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; a correct answer counter; means actuated by feelers when the latter enter correct answer punch-holes for operating said correct answer counter; an incorrect answer counter; means actuated by ieelers when the latter enter incorrect answer punch-holes for operating the incorrect answer counter; and means actuated by a feeler entering an incorrect answer punch-hole for preventing operation of the correct answer counter by another feeler simultaneously entering a correct answer punch-hole.

5. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a row of feelers; feeding means for causing said row of feelers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; a backing member for said exami nation sheet; a correct answer counter; and means actuated by a feeler entering a correct answer punch-hole and engaging said backing member for operating said correct answer counter.

6. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a row of feelers; feeding means for causing said row oi feelers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; a member lying adjacent said examination sheet as it is traversed by said feeiers and having apertures aligning with correct an swer punch-holes; an incorrect answer counter; and means actuated by feelers entering incorrect answer punch-holes and engaging said member for operating said incorrect answer counter.

7. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a row of feelers; feeding means for causing said row oi' feeiers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; a backing member for said examination sheet; a correct answer counter; means actuated by feelers entering correct answer punch-holes and engaging said backing member tor operating said correct answer counter; a member interposed between said backing member and said examination sheet and having apertures aligning with correct answer punchholes; an incorrect answer counter; and means actuated by feelers entering incorrect answer punch-holes and engaging said interposed member for operating said incorrect answer counter.

8. The invention as deiined inciaim 3, in which the means actuated by feelers entering correct answer punch-holes includes an electric circuit closed by a feeler entering a correct answer punch-hole, an electromagnet energized in said circuit, and a paw] and ratchet mechanism operated by the electromagnet and operating said correct answer counter, and in which the means actuated by feelers entering incorrect answer punch-holes includes an electric circuit closed by a feeler entering an incorrect answer punchhole, an electromagnet energized in said circuit, and a pawl and ratchet mechanism operated by the electromagnet and operating said incorrect answer counter.

9. The invention as dened in claim 4, in which the means actuated by ieelers entering correct'l answer punch-holes includes an electric circuit closed by a feeler entering a correct answer punch-hole, an electromagnet energized in said circuit, and a pawl and ratchet mechanism op erated by the electromagnet and operating said correct answer counter, and in which the means actuated by feelers entering incorrect answer punch-holes includes an electric circuit closed by a feeler entering an incorrect answer punchhole, an electromagnet energized in said circuit,

and a pawl and ratchet mechanism operated by the electrcmagnet and operating said incorrect answer counter; and also in which the electromagnet for the correct answer counter is slowacting and in which the means for preventing concurrent operation of the two counters includes a relay provided to open the circuit leading to the electromagnet for the correct answer counter.

l0. 'I'he invention as defined in claim '7, in which the feelers are electrical contacts, and in which the means for operating the correct answer counter includes an electrical circuit connected to said backing member, an electromagnet energized in said circuit, and a pawl and ratchet mechanism operated by said electromagnet and operating said correct answer counter, and also in which the means for actuating said incorrect answer counter includes an electric circuit connected to said interposed member, an electromagnet energized in said circuit, and a pawl and ratchet mechanism operated by said electromagnet and operating said incorrect answer counter.

ll. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers and having marginal pin-engaging feeding apertures, comprising; a table; a drum havings pins thereon to engage the feeding apertures in the students sheet to move the latter past a point of operation on the table; a row of feelers mounted on the table to engage the examination sheet as it is advanced by said drum, said feelers being adapted to enter holes punched in the examination sheet by the student; a counter mounted on the drum; and means including an electric circuit closed as a result of a feeler passing through a punched hole in the students sheet for operating said counter.

l2. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice or" answers and having marginal pin-engaging feeding apertures, comprising; a table; a drum having pins thereon to engage the feeding apertures in the student's sheet to move the latter past a point of operation on the table; a row of ieelers mounted on the table to engage the examina-tion sheet as it is advanced by said drum. said feelers being adapted to enter holes punched in the examination sheet by the student; a counter mounted on the drum; a key sheet carried by the drum to be interposed between the surface of the drum and the examination sheet; and means including an electric circuit closed by one of said feelers contacting said key sheet through a punched hole in the examination sheet for actuating said counter.

13. In a machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indieating a students choice oi answers and having marginal pin-engaging feeding apertures; a table; a drum having pins thereon to engage the feeding apertures in the students sheet to move the latter past a point of operation on the table; means ior normally holding the leading edge of an examination sheet being brought into contact with said feeding pins on the drum; and means carried by the drum for rendering the 1ast-named means inoperative and moving the examination sheet in position to be engaged by said feeding pins.

14. In a machine for scanning and totalizlng examination sheets having punched holes indieating a students choice of answers and having marginal pin-engaging feeding apertures; a table; a drum having pins thereon to engage the feeding apertures in the students sheet to move the latter past a point of operation on the table; means for normally holding the leading edge of an examination sheet being brought into contact with said feeding pins on the drum; and means carried by the drum for rendering the last-named means inoperative to permit the advancement of the students sheet at a predetermined point in the rotation of the drum.

l5. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicat ing a students choice of answers, comprising; a counter; means to actuate said counter including means traversing the punched examination sheet and engaging holes punched in the examination sheet; and means for printing the totals accumulated in said counter on the examination sheet while it is still being traversed, and after said examination sheet has been scanned.

16. A machine for scanning and totalizing eX- amination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a counter; means to actuate said counter including means traversing the punched examination sheet and engaging holes punched in the examination sheet; means for printing the totals accumulated in said counter on the examination sheet while it is still being traversed and after said examination sheet has been scanned; and means for automatically returning said counter to zero position after the total is printed on the examination sheet being scanned and before the scanning of the next examination sheet begins.

17. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a correct answer counter; an incorrect answer counter; means to actuate said counters including means traversing the punched examination sheet and engaging holes punched in the examination sheet; and means for printing the totals accumulated in said counters on the examination sheet while it is still being traversed, and after the examination sheet has been scanned.

18. A machine for scanning and totallzing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a set of feelers; feeding means for causing said set of ieelers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; a backing member for said examination sheet; member interposed between said backing member and said examination sheet and having apertures aligning with those of a correctly answered and punched examination sheet; a correct answer counter; and means actuated by feelers entering correct answer punch-holes and engaging said backing member through apertures in said interposed member for operating said correct answer counter.

19. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a set of feelers; feeding means for causing said set of feelers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; a correct answer counter; means actuated by feelers when the latter enter correct answer punch-holes for operating said correct answer counter; and means actuated by a feeler when the latter enters an incorrect answer punchhole for preventing operation of the correct answer counter by another ieeler simultaneously entering a correct answer punch-hole.

20. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a set oi' feelers; feeding means for causing said set of feelers to traverse the punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; a backing member for said examination sheet; a member interposed between said backing member and said examination sheet and having apertures aligning with those of a correctly answered and punched examination sheet; an answer integrator; and means actuated by said feelers entering both correct and incorrect answer punch holes and acting on said backing member and interposed member for operating said answer integrator.

21. A machine for scanning and totaiizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising; a set of feelers; means for causing the examination sheet to travel relative to said feelers; a counter; means for actuating said counter; and means for printing the total accumulated in said counter on the examination sheet during the movement of said sheet, after it has been scanned.

22. A machine for grading and marking examination sheets passed therethrough, said sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising a counter; means. including a scanning means traversed by the sheet in its movement and actuated by the holes in said sheet, for advancing the counter in response to movement of the punched holes of the sheet past the scanning means; means for feeding the sheet through the machine past said scanning means; and printing means automatically periodically operative with said feeding means for impressing the totals accumulated in the counter on said sheet. i

23. A machine for grading and marking examination sheets passed therethrough, said sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising a counter; means, including a scanning means traversed by the sheet in its movement and actuated by engagement with the holes in said sheet, for advancing the counter in response to movement of the punched holes of the sheet past the scanning means; means for feeding the sheet through the machine past said scanning means: printing means automatically periodically operative with said feeding means for impressing the totals accumulated in the counter on said sheet; and means automatically periodically operative with said feeding means for returning the counter to zero position after the total is printed on the examination sheet.

24. A machine for grading and marking examination sheets passed therethrough, said sheet having punched hoies indicating a students choice of answers, comprising a correct answer counter; and incorrect answer counter; means including a scanning means traversed by the sheet in its movement and actuated by engagement with the holes in said sheet, for advancing the counters in response to movement of the punched holes of the sheet past the scanning means; means for feeding the sheet through the machine past said scanning means; and printing means automatically periodically operative with said feeding means for impressing the totals accumulated in the counter on said sheet.

25. The invention as defined in claim 22, in which the means for feeding the sheet includes a drum engaging said sheet.

26. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising a row of feelers; feeding means for causing said row oi' feelers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect, said means including a backing member for said examination sheet; a correct answer counter; and means actuated by a feeler entering a correct answer punch-hole and engaging said backing member for operating said correct answer counter.

27. A machine for scanning and totalizing examinatlon sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising a row of feelers; feeding means for causing said row of feelers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; a cylinder engaging the examination sheet during traversing of the feelers over the sheet; a correct answer counter; and means actuated by a feeler entering a correct answer punch-hole and engaging said cylinder for operating said correct answer counter.

28. A machine for scanning and totalizing examination sheets having punched holes indicating a students choice of answers, comprising a row of feelers; feeding means for` causing said row of feelers to traverse a punched examination sheet over answer punch-holes, whether correct or incorrect; a backing member for the examination sheet having a surface substantially equal to the total punch-hole area of said sheet; a correct answer counter; and means actuated by a feeler entering a, correct answer punch-hole and engaging said backing member for operating said correct answer counter.

JOSEPH E. SVEDA. HERBERT G. LEHMANN. 

